Just found this site and it is great! I have been lurking for a while and enjoy the wealth of information you all share with each other. I will be 1K for 2005 (okay 1K Lite) and was wondering if there are any “tricks to the trade” that you flyertalkers could let me in on. ^ I was last 1K in 2000, but because I didn’t travel internationally, I did not get a whole lot of benefits out of the program. I have been 1P for the last 4 years, and quite honestly have seen the degradation of the benefits because of the addition of UGS and the fact that United will give 2P and 1P to just about anyone who asks. In 2004, I flew 11 transcons (IAD to SFO, IAD to LAX, IAD to SEA) and 10 trips IAD to DEN. Even though I requested an upgrade through the website at the time of ticketing for each of these trips (which was at least 7 days in advance), none of my upgrades cleared in advance! In fact, out of 22 trips back and forth across the country and 20 trips back and forth to Denver, I only received 4 upgrades. Two of these upgrades were on 777s in C. All of these upgrades were received at gate. My upgrade percentage was so bad, I received credit for 18 expired 500 milers in 2004. (I still wonder how 2Ps and MP GM receive upgrades over 1Ps and 1Ks. ) So my question is this: As a 1K, how can I improve my chances for an upgrade domestically with 500 milers? What about the confirmed regional upgrades and the SWUs? Other than the SWUs, Regional Upgrades, 1K line, 1K website and drink chits what are the other benefits of 1K you find most useful?

Thanks for your help!

Rip….